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Asking For Help

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Human beings have a tendency to want to help one another. When push comes to shove (it can be an emergency or otherwise) people who would normally never socialize tend to come together with miraculous results.

It’s somewhat curious why there still exists certain individuals who see asking for help as a sign of weakness. There are others who see asking for help as too self-promotional. In my first/new/just-released book, Six Pixels of Separation, I make the statement that we no longer live in a world where there are six degrees of separation (where any one individual in the world is connected to anyone else in less than six degrees), because through these amazing online channels and platforms, we are all intrinsically connected. With a simple search, I can follow you and you can follow me (and this changes everything we know about business, marketing, communications and making money).

Today, I’m asking for your help.

I realize in doing this, some will see this as self-promotional (it is). Some might see it as me shilling for my book (I am). But, what choice do we have? In a world where we all overtly promote the notion that you no longer need the permission of Mass Media to share your messages, ideas and thoughts with the world, if I don’t ask for your help, should I just sit back in the hopes that a national magazine or television show inform you about my new business book?

So, what kind of help can you provide?

Here are 6 (plus one) ways you can help me make the book, Six Pixels of Separation, a success:

  1. You can buy a copy (online or in-store), read it and enjoy it (if you’re so inclined, please feel free to buy multiple copies).
  2. If you think you know everything the book has to offer, please consider buying a copy and passing it on to a friend or colleague who keeps asking you questions about whether or not there is any real business opportunities behind spaces like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
  3. If you are capable of doing a bulk buy, Chris Brogan is making a very special offer right here (and see below): Chris Brogan – Six Pixels and Mitch’s Big Day (amazing as I didn’t ask for this kind of help, Brogan just did it out of the kindness of his heart).
  4. If you have a Blog or Podcast, please consider creating a book review or mentioning the book (if you would like to have a conversation about the book with me, please let me know – I am willing, able and happy to do this). You can also post your review to Amazon and/or any of the other online merchants.
  5. If you are on Twitter or any other micro-Blogging service, please let your community know that this book exists. Updating your Facebook status or providing a link to the book on your Wall would be nice too.
  6. If you’re on some of the other online social space like MySpace, LinkedIn, etc… please mention, review and/or talk about the book there.
  7. If you have some friends or peers who are not highly engaged in the online channels, please consider sending them a note (email, voice mail, in-person, etc…) letting them know about the book.

There is more information about the book here (it is available in hardcover, digital versions – Kindle too – and there is an audio version): Six Pixels of Separation – The Book.

If you are willing to talk the book up, you can get the book cover, photos, etc… here: Six Pixels of Separation artwork.

I have been Blogging since 2003 and I don’t think I have ever asked for personal help on this Blog. So, here it goes: will you please help me let the world know about the book, Six Pixels of Separation?

I have also created a list of "helpful people" where I am linking back to everyone who publishes about the book here: Six Pixels of Separation Book Reviews And Media.

Thank you for helping.

18 comments

  1. Ask & you shall receive!
    I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being self-promotional or “shilling” your book if it’s something that will add value to your readers (which I absolutely think it will)
    I haven’t picked up a copy yet, but it’s already on my ‘to read’ list. In fact I’ll even suggest it for our next Ottawa Social Media Book Club meet up. If it’s anything like your blog I’m sure it’ll be a great book.

  3. Done – on Twitter and LinkedIn. I wish you much success with the book, as I am still finding great nuggets in it.

  5. I’m very excited about your book. My colleague and I saw you speak (and met you after) and you were able to put into words what I’ve been trying to tell everyone I work with.
    Of course I’m buying the book – for myself and a couple of others – because I like the message, and I like that you stand behind it and have completely bought into it, instead of being where we are which is dipping our toes in and hoping to go a little further.
    Good luck with the book 🙂

  6. Congratulations on your big day, Mitch. Can’t wait to read the book!
    I love Chris’s offer, too — a perfect example of the gift/giving economy. I’ve just ordered 10 copies. Once they arrive, I’ll find a way to get them into good hands.
    Bryan | @BryanPerson

  7. I was in Barnes & Nobles on Thursday night last week in Burlington, VT and saw the book prominently displayed on the shelf. I did pick it up and almost bought it. Now I have to go back and get it just because of this post. Congrats and best of luck!

  10. Congrats Mitch! I’ve just finished Six Pixels of Separation and it’s a must-read not only for anyone who wants to understand the importance and benefits of social media in business but it’s also a great review and reminder of for those of us who live and breathe the interactive space.
    You’ve given so much to the community for free, a request for little self-promotion is only fair.
    Blog post coming soon, promise!

  11. Mitch, just purchased the audible version and it’s in My Library to “read” next. I listen to several a month and just started a “Book of the Month” review. “Six” won’t be until October. But Thank-YOU for being self promoting.

  12. I exchanged e-mail late into the night with Chris after purchasing (15) copies of the book. At our brand new company launching this week (the same week as your book!) we have a “Experts and Heroes Bookcase” where we keep copies of our favorite books to give to customers and potential clients. We believe in sharing and educating on every topic and are excited to add you to our list.
    Best wishes, we are spreading the word…
    Maile
    @mlkeone

  13. One more thing– I once had a venture capitalist tell me that one of the biggest issues he saw with entreprenuers was their unwillingness to ask for help. So many people are willing to help if you just ask. Great advice.

  14. Hey Mitch! I’ve always wanted to write a book but never thought my thoughts worthy. I’d be happy to give you a book review on my blog, MADISON AVENUE, The Journal of Social Influence Marketing, Advertising & Branding. http://advertising-age.blogspot.com. Let me get a copy of your book. The last book I reviewed pre-release was Calvin Hodock’s Why Smart Companies Do Dumb Things. I’d also like to host some questions and answers about the book and the reason for the passion that drives you to your perspectives. Many Thanks! Martin Calle

  15. I’m not sure who’s posting comments while masquerading as me, but I suppose I should take this as a compliment. Someone with too much time on their hands, I suppose…
    Chris, great promotion. I’m a big fan. Keep up the fantastic work. I sincerely doubt that you need any schooling on branding, as my imposter suggests ; )
    Mitch, congrats on yet another feather in your cap. Looking forward to reading Six Pixels.
    BTW, I posted my support here:
    http://www.davehaber.ca/interactive-objectives-blog/2009/9/8/buy-six-pixels-of-separation-today.html

  17. Done via LinkedIn book list. I saw you speak at DPI-Canada in 2008 where you mentioned the book coming out. It’s on my list of “professional non-fiction” books to read.

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